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Time--2017 A to Z Theme

My theme for the 2017 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge was "Time". The posts are of a more philosophical, contemplative, and even autobiographical bent. No time management tips in this theme, but stuff intended to make you think.

Always a work in progress--welcome to my blog...

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Monday, October 19, 2015

WHAT I LEARNED FROM WRITING MY FIRST NOVEL

Karen Walker joins me with a guest post as she stirs awareness for her upcoming novel which is now available (see details below). As one of my earliest blogging friends, Karen has appeared on my blogs as my guest a few times. She's back with some timely advice as we approach National Novel Writing Month in November. And now here's Karen:

WHAT I LEARNED FROM WRITING MY FIRST NOVEL AFTER 35+ YEARS OF WRITING NONFICTION

By Karen Helene Walker

Thank you, Lee, for hosting me today.

Writing a novel is the hardest thing I’ve ever tackled. No kidding. There are so many things you have to think about. First, you have to have a story that is of interest to some segment of the population. Then you have to have a plot with twists and turns that will keep your audience turning the pages. Then you have to have characters. Interesting characters. Characters with flaws. Characters that your readers will hopefully care about. And as if that isn’t enough, you have to be able to describe settings and show, not tell, what happens to these characters. And of course, your novel must contain similes and metaphors and other literary devices that make the story richer and more readable.

Before I wrote and published my memoir in 2009, I’d written essays and articles in my career as a public relations professional in the health care industry. Those things are so much easier than a novel. You think of a topic, you research facts and figures, you find an expert you can quote, you write a good hook, put in the background info, put in a call to action, if required, and voila, you’re done. I don’t mean to imply this kind of writing doesn’t require skill. It does. It’s just simpler than writing a novel.

My novel did require some research, especially in the middle section, which takes place during the middle ages. But my novel is not historical fiction, thank goodness, so I didn’t have to be accurate with details. For example, there are wishing steps surrounding Blarney Castle in Ireland, but the wishing steps in my novel became something altogether different. Still, I needed to imagine what life might have been like for a wise woman during that era when the Inquisition was happening -- not an easy feat for someone who has difficulty visualizing what isn’t there. When we were building our house in 1998, it wasn’t until the dry wall went up that I actually knew what the house would look like. See what I mean? Novelists need a good imagination. I had to work at this. Hard.

So, what did I learn from this experience? Several things, actually. One, when I set out to do something, no matter how hard it is, I do it. And that feels wonderful. So, if you’ve always wanted to do something, go ahead and do it. You won’t be sorry. Secretly, in the depths of my soul, I’d always wanted to write a novel. Just didn’t think I could. Well, I could and I did.

Two, there is always help when you are working on something, anything, if you’re only willing and able to ask for it. I had wonderful support from my writing coach, editor, Mark David Gerson (www.markdavidgerson.com). Without him, this book wouldn’t exist.

And lastly, listening to the whispers (which was the theme of my memoir, Following the Whispers) is crucial to my well-being. Writing this book became a deeply moving and profoundly healing spiritual journey. I needed to write this book. And I am so grateful I did.

Brighid, Ashleen and Megan: Bound through time by a curious light, a mysterious voice and a call they dare not ignore. Yet in obeying this strange force, the women must face soul-searing trials that call into question everything they know and believe — about themselves and about the world around them.

“Guaranteed to inspire you to a deeper level of spirituality and a new appreciation for Goddess.”Rev. Clara Z. Alexander

About the Author:

Karen Helene Walker is a widely published essayist and author of the 2009 memoir, Following the Whispers. When she isn’t writing, you will often find Karen performing in nursing homes and retirement communities as part of the Sugartime or Sophisticated Ladies musical groups, traveling with her husband of 20 years, Gary, or relaxing with a good book at their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visit the author’s website at www.karenhelenewalker.com

The Wishing Steps is available now in both print and ebook versions at: Amazon.com. You can also purchase it as an ebook on Kobo, I Tunes, and at Barnes and Noble.Don't Forget to Vote!

And I'm not talking about any political election. If you haven't taken the time to visit my Battle of the Bands post I hope you will now and vote on your favorite version of my song pick for the Halloween season.

Now you see... I find writing fiction much easier than non-fiction. I guess it's because non-fiction can be so dry and impersonal. Plus I have an imagination that can often carry me away... (like Calgon!)

As long as we believe we can do something, we can. :) When I wrote my first novel, I was alone. Alone, alone. I didn't have a single person who could read it or offer advice. Many years later, I started blogging and found a great community willing to help me and that is priceless. :)

Hi Lee and Karen - so interesting and useful to have you write about the way you coped through the process of writing, and what you needed to do to bring the tale to life ... it certainly seems like you've succeeded. Cheers Hilary

Chrys, I can't imagine doing something like this alone - we have an incredible community hereHilary, Tom Clancy says you're a success if you write the book, so yes, I feel successfulSouthpaw, thank you - it sure is a lot - not for the faint of heart

Thanks for the insight of what you have learned from that first novel. I wish I could write novels but will leave it to the experts such as yourself. Lovely post Lee, thanks for having Karen on as a guest.Yvonne.

Hi Karen Walker. I remember way back in the day when you were one of the first people to leave a comment on my blog. And there is not a great secret to writing as you stated. Finish what you started. Easier said then done, but perserverance is the key, regardless of the obstacles.

Karen, Great post! You're so right about writing a novel: so much must go into it and it is so much easier to write non-fiction. I think I have a novel in me...it's just buried way way deep inside. Thanks for the encouragement to just do it already! Congrats on your book. That's fantastic! A great accomplishment. All the best,Michele at Angels BarkPS: Hey Lee :)

I so enjoyed reading about your journey Karen. And your book sounds intriguing! I agree. Writing a book has to be one of the most difficult things we will ever do. Just finishing calls for a celebration!

Thank you Lee for hosting Karen and giving her the opportunity to share her book and her journey.

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

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A juggler of words and phrases. My main blog is Tossing It Out. The focus blog for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge can now be found at a-to-zchallenge.com where updates will be posted until the event in April begins.
Wrote By Rote is about memoir writing.
A Few Words is my Sunday contemplation blog.
A Faraway View is about dreams. Pick what you like or look at them all. I love blogging!